Which statement about shock is true?

• A. Shock is caused by excessive blood volume.
• B. Shock is a lack of oxygen to tissues caused by a decrease in blood volume or blood pressure.
• C. Shock always involves fever.
• D. Shock is unrelated to blood pressure.

Answer: (B)

Shock is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion, meaning tissues aren’t receiving enough oxygen. This happens when the circulating blood volume is too low or blood pressure is too low for the heart to push enough oxygen-rich blood to the tissues. That connection—low volume or low pressure leading to reduced perfusion and oxygen delivery—is why this statement is true. Fever isn’t a defining feature of shock, and not all shocks occur with fever. Also, blood pressure is central to shock—low blood pressure or poor perfusion is a hallmark, so saying shock is unrelated to blood pressure isn’t accurate.